History in Focus

Jo Guldi, a Professor at Emory University and expert in text mining, dives into the revolutionary impact of AI on digital history. She discusses the balance of traditional historiography with emerging technologies, emphasizing transparency and methodological rigor. Guldi shares her journey from traditional research to digital scholarship, critiquing historical data interpretations. With insights on the strengths of Python and R, she highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to unveil new narratives in history. It's a fascinating exploration of how algorithms reshape our understanding of the past.

The podcast features Katharina Matro, a high school history teacher with a PhD from Stanford, Jeff McClurken, a professor and chief of staff at the University of Mary Washington, and Kalani Craig, co-director at Indiana University. They dive into the role of AI in history education, exploring its potential and pitfalls, including the balance between tech and critical thinking. Discussions cover the importance of innovation in student writing, the challenges of digital archives, and the need for transparency in AI-generated data, highlighting a transformative shift in historical research and teaching.

Dive into the fascinating concept of resilience across various cultures. Hear about the inspiring recovery stories of the Wiyot Tribe in Northern California and the Kenyan Nubians facing unique challenges. Explore the historical journeys of migrant workers in Brazil, capturing their adaptability in tough times. The discussion emphasizes the power of storytelling, local support networks, and the importance of diverse historical narratives in shaping identities and understanding resilience in the face of adversity.

In this second installment from our collaboration with African history podcast AfriWetu, Mona, with the help of guest narrator Nyaguthii, explores the North African legend of Dihya Al Kahina.

A conversation with AfriWetu host and creator Mona Nyambura Muchemi. We talk about the origins of AfriWetu, about her journey as a storyteller and student of African history, and about the state of popular understandings of African history across the continent.

Introducing the latest entry in our podcast collaboration series: a terrific and thoughtful African history podcast called AfriWetu. In this episode, host and producer Mona Nyambura Muchemi explores the history of the East African Kingdom of Buganda with special emphasis on the women of Buganda's society.

What story can be told of the American welfare state when you broaden the view beyond established government programs and official actors? We kick off season 3 with a conversation with historians Salonee Bhaman, Bobby Cervantes, and Salem Elzway on their AHR article "A New Welfare History."

Producers reflect on season 2 and plans for season 3 with new content format. PhD candidates discuss research on settlers post American Revolution. Importance of diverse historical topics in podcasts, challenges faced by academic historians. Gratitude for interviewing senior scholars like Eric Foner. Farewell and gratitude for season two.

An expert on climate crisis in India and a researcher on environmental crisis in Detroit and Flint discuss past environmental challenges. Topics include the energy crisis in India during the 1970s, impact on society, environmental justice in Detroit and Flint, local expertise in Flint water crisis, and evolution of environmental justice movement.

Arlene Díaz and Kalani Craig discuss their piece exploring the Spanish American War, the use of digital methods, and the place of collaboration in historical research. Then, with Hettie Williams, we revisit the life and work of historian Marion Thompson Wright.